Are you looking for a quick, tasty, and low-carb meal? This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is your answer! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy cheese in one dish. Whether you’re a busy parent or just want a simple dinner, this casserole fits your needs. Let’s dive into the delicious details and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: This casserole is packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and cauliflower, making it a guilt-free comfort food.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious dish ready to bake in no time.
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a delightful cheesy topping that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: This casserole can be served as a main course or side dish, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup steamed cauliflower florets
- 1 cup softened cream cheese
Cheese Options
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Additional Flavorings
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
When making this low-carb chicken casserole, the right ingredients matter. I always start with cooked chicken breast. It adds protein and flavor. I shred it to mix well with other ingredients. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts perfectly as the casserole cooks. Steamed cauliflower florets act as a great substitute for pasta or rice. It keeps the dish low in carbs.
The cream cheese binds everything together. It makes the casserole creamy and rich. For the cheese topping, I love using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt beautifully and create a tasty crust.
Adding flavor is key to this dish. Chicken broth keeps it moist. Garlic adds a nice kick. Onion powder and paprika give depth. Salt and pepper balance everything out. You can adjust these to fit your taste.
By using fresh and quality ingredients, you ensure a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and 1 cup of steamed cauliflower florets.
Mixing the Cheese Sauce
- In another bowl, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour this cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Baking Instructions
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the cheese to help it brown.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques
- Best practices for shredding chicken: To shred chicken easily, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Pull the chicken apart in opposite directions. This method works best with warm or hot chicken.
- How to properly steam cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into small florets. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes. The cauliflower should be tender but not mushy.
Flavor Enhancements
- Using herbs and spices for added flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness. Try basil or thyme for a different twist. Use spices like cumin or chili powder for warmth.
- Recommendations for low-carb substitutes: Swap out cream cheese for ricotta for a lighter option. Use zucchini instead of cauliflower for a different texture. Almond flour can replace breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions
- Recommended side dishes: Serve with a light salad. A simple green salad pairs well. Roasted vegetables are also a great choice.
- How to best present the casserole: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds color and freshness. Serve hot for the best taste and look.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It adds flavor and makes the prep even quicker.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. They can enhance the flavor and add more nutrients to the dish.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a convenient meal.
Variations
Ingredients Swaps
You can change the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try turkey or even shrimp. If you want a meatless option, use tofu or tempeh. For veggies, swap the spinach and cauliflower with zucchini or broccoli. These swaps keep it low-carb and tasty.
Flavor Profiles
Add fun spices to give your casserole a kick. Try cumin or chili powder for a Mexican twist. For an Italian vibe, use basil and oregano. You can also add some red pepper flakes for heat. These ideas will help you create a dish that fits your mood.
Dietary Adaptations
If you need a gluten-free meal, this casserole is already safe. Just double-check your cheese and broth labels. For those who avoid dairy, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese. Look for brands that melt well. These options make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Check that it’s hot throughout before serving.
Meal Prep Ideas
This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead on a Sunday for the week. Portion it into single servings in small containers for easy access. This way, you can grab a healthy meal on busy nights. Just heat up a portion, and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Common Questions
What is the carb count for this casserole?
This low carb chicken casserole has about 6 grams of carbs per serving. The main ingredients contribute minimally to the carb total. Fresh spinach and cauliflower are great low-carb choices. Cream cheese and the cheeses add flavor without many carbs. If you count carbs, this dish fits well into your meal plan.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Using raw chicken is not advised for this recipe. The dish needs cooked chicken to blend flavors well. If you choose raw, you must cook it fully first. Shredded cooked chicken saves time and adds a rich flavor.
Troubleshooting
What to do if the casserole is too dry?
If your casserole turns out dry, add more chicken broth. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top. Mixing in extra cream cheese helps too. These will add moisture and enhance the taste.
How to fix over-seasoning issues?
If you find it too salty or spicy, add cooked cauliflower or more chicken. This will balance the flavors. Mixing in a bit of cream cheese may help reduce the strong taste too.
Cooking Equipment
Recommended baking dishes
A 9×9-inch baking dish works perfectly for this casserole. You can also use a larger dish if you double the recipe. Glass or ceramic dishes help heat evenly and brown the cheese nicely.
Tools for preparation and mixing
Have a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. Use a spatula for mixing well. A sharp knife helps chop the spinach, and a steamer basket is great for cooking cauliflower.
This blog post shared a tasty casserole recipe that is both easy and healthy. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, spinach, and cauliflower, along with cheese options. You learned step-by-step how to mix and bake the dish perfectly. I also provided tips for storing leftovers and ideas for variations to keep meals exciting.
Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients! Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with family and friends. Your kitchen adventures just got a lot more deliciou
Cheesy Spinach & Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets, steamed
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and steamed cauliflower.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese layer to help it brown.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
